10 common mistakes most Virtual Assistants make

Virtual Assistant business mistakes and how to fix them

I have seen many Virtual Assistants set up their businesses only to fall into the same predictable traps. For most, running a business is the first time they have been self employed. Making the switch from employee to business owner is a steep learning curve. As any seasoned business owner will tell you, mistakes are inevitable. They are a rite of passage.

However, many of these common errors are easily remedied if you know what to look for. Stop making life harder for yourself. Read through these 10 common mistakes and see which ones ring true for you. Then, take the necessary steps to overcome them today.

1. Playing the short game instead of the long game One of the biggest errors is failing to plan. If you want a sustainable business, you must know where you are headed and how you intend to get there. Planning helps you understand how many clients you need, which services to provide, and how to track your growth effectively.

2. Not charging your worth Undercharging affects both new and established VAs. Experienced VAs often possess specialised skills they are effectively giving away. You must charge what you are worth. Do not let a lack of self belief or confidence dictate your rates.

3. Being vague with your pricing Vague pricing turns potential clients away. Put your prices on your website. If you find it difficult to talk about money, refer prospects to your pricing page and walk them through it. Clarity benefits everyone.

4. Neglecting the fundamentals A real business needs a solid foundation. This includes insurance, contracts, and registering with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) for data protection. You need a business plan and a marketing plan. If you do not know where you are going, you will never know when you have arrived.

5. Ignoring the numbers You need to get comfortable with data. Numbers show whether you are on track with your long term goals. Track your leads, client retention, income, expenses, social media engagement, and growth. If you do not measure it, you cannot manage it.

6. Avoiding the CEO mindset Step up as the CEO. If you avoid this, you will stay stuck in the “doer” mindset forever. It is more productive to step back and work on your business rather than just getting lost in the daily tasks.

7. Having no online presence You are a Virtual Assistant, so you need a virtual presence. Far too many VAs think they can survive without a website or active social media. Having these platforms and not using them is just as bad as not having them at all. Stop lurking and start engaging.

8. Fearing the finances Cash flow is the lifeblood of your business. Do not be scared of your finances. Know exactly what is coming in and going out. Understand your obligations for tax and National Insurance. Do not fear hitting the VAT threshold either; it is a sign of success.

9. Not being visible in your niche It is pointless joining groups or networking events if your ideal clients are not there. It is just a distraction. Be visible where it matters. Review your engagement every couple of months. If a group is not providing support, education, or leads, move on.

10. Lacking a clear call to action When someone lands on your profile or website, is it obvious what they should do next? Make it easy for people to hire you. Include your telephone number and email address in your header and footer. Regularly remind your audience how they can get in touch.

Many of the common mistakes most Virtual Assistants make can be easily rectified. But the key to rectifying them is knowing that you’re making them. By reading through the above 10 steps you’ll have identified the mistakes you’re making and need to remedy, to help your VA business out. You can then create an action plan to implement the changes you need, to eliminate them from your business.

In business it really helps to have access to the right support and advice – a quick and easy way of getting that is to join the VA Membership. It’s a monthly membership site that gives Virtual Assistants affordable and practical support (over 200+ hours of training webinars, swipe copy, templates etc) and expert help weekly to build and grow your VA business. That weekly help is through the form of weekly group coaching calls, weekly co-working sessions, and a private support community.  You’ll find all the details on VA Membership, here but it would be awesome to welcome you in.